External Oblique
Musculus obliquus externus abdominis
The external oblique is the largest and most superficial of the lateral abdominal muscles; its fibers run downward and inward like hands sliding into front pockets. It bends the trunk to the same side and, crucially, rotates the trunk to the opposite side, making it a key contributor to twisting and anti-rotation strength. Trained with cable woodchops, Russian twists, side bends, and side planks, and heavily recruited as an anti-rotation stabilizer in loaded carries and single-arm pressing.
- Actions
- Trunk flexion, Lateral trunk flexion (ipsilateral), Contralateral trunk rotation, Increases intra-abdominal pressure, Forced expiration
- Origin
- External surfaces of ribs 5-12
- Insertion
- Anterior half of the iliac crest, pubic tubercle, and linea alba (via aponeurosis)
- Innervation
- Thoracoabdominal nerves (T7-T11), subcostal nerve (T12)
- Blood supply
- Lower posterior intercostal, subcostal, and deep circumflex iliac arteries
Antagonists Erector Spinae
Tendons Linea AlbaRectus Sheath
Exercises (23)
Trains as a primary mover
Assists in